If
you're a woman and you're reading this, chances are you're a
skeptical and thinking person. I'd like you to seriously take a
moment and congratulate yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back,
and just soak the moment in: You are a woman, and you are rational.

It's
not that I have a desire to leave the men out, but you have to admit,
there are not many women around when it comes to atheism. (Don't
stop reading guys, as you're as much involved in this as any female!)
I've had the chance to talk with some great women and men about this
reality, and I feel I've come up with a few of the reasons that there
aren't as many gals, and what we can do to shift the balance.

Sexism from both genders
holds us back. As females we are taught that it isn't very
'feminine' to vocalize our opinions, especially opinions that the
majority may not find pleasant. We are most often taught from a
young age that to be attractive we need to be quiet and agreeable.
Also, there's always the concern, as a thinking person, that if
we let too much of our femininity show we will not be taken
seriously; we must be manly to be powerful. But hey, let's face it,
whether we look like an old hag or Carmen Electra, there will always
come a time when someone's in line to put us down. The sad part of
this is that so often it's women hating other women, when we should
instead be banding together. So ladies and gents, next time you
think about chopping someone down based on their appearance or
mannerisms, try to think again. Embrace all kinds of women and
understand that being feminine takes many forms.

Another key element to women
being held back in skepticism is we are taught that to be critical of
something is wrong. This seems to be at least partially due to the
fact that the word 'critical' almost always takes on it's first, most
well known definition: "inclined to find fault or to judge
with severity". We need to help re-establish that being
critical has another meaning, "involving skillful judgment as
to truth, merit". People of both sexes need to do their part
to show others that 'critical' does not have to mean rude, stubborn,
or judgmental.

Although you really do need to
think things through before you speak, of course, do not be afraid to
state your opinion concerning matters great and small. This is
another area where so many people can be held back. Your opinion is
valid! You do not have to be a biblical scholar to talk about the
bible. You do not have to be the greatest writer in the world to
share your feelings. (Hello, I think I'm a good case in point on
that one!) We need to get over it and stop being afraid of sharing,
or of looking inadequate in others' eyes. We are all more than
adequate, and whatever we have to give to further the cause of
atheism, we need to be up front and center sharing it with one
another and the rest of society.

Be
out and proud of who you are whenever you can. When more women are
out about their atheism, it will help other women to be confident in
their views. And when that gender shift starts to happen, all of the
single atheist men and women will have us to thank
when they find their life partner at one of our events.

There are many more reasons for
a shortage of atheist women, what are your thoughts and ideas on it?
Email astrocomfy@hotmail.com,
or join the discussion on the MNA online forum.